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IFA president Joe Healy has spoken out in a bid to protect the livelihoods of liquid milk producers across the country at a protest in Portlaoise.
Listen to our interview with Healy in our podcast below:
“The number of fresh milk producers In Ireland has dropped from 3,500 to 1,800. There is a reason why they are doing that and that is because it is not profitable,” he said.
“The returns haven’t been there because exactly of what Dunnes and Aldi are trying to do.”
According to Healy, Aldi and Dunnes Stores are in a “rat race to the bottom” in relation to lowering prices within their stores.
“We are open to discussing with any of the retailers, sitting down across the table, because I am a firm believer that, that is the best way to do business. But it is obvious that it hasn’t worked in this case.”
“We have John Finn here and a number of members from the fresh milk and liquid milk committee. They will just have to take cognisance of what is happening- whether the retailers have been listening to us or not.”
“If more protests are required, that is what will happen,” Healey concluded.
Aldi comment
In resounse an Aldi spokesperson said: “Our promise to our customers is that we won’t be beaten on price. To ensure we continue to provide the very best value groceries in Ireland, we have followed the market and reduced the price of our three litre milk to €2.”
“The cost of the price cut is being borne by Aldi. Aldi pays its suppliers a fair and sustainable price for all its products including its milk.”
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